Obituary: Russell, Janet Gail (Gillis)
Age 80
Sun., April 19, 2015
Jan was born to Ernest and Edna Gillis on May 29, 1934 and was a lifelong resident of Spokane.
She graduated from Central Valley High School in 1952.
She went to work in the Gillis family business selling Morning Glory brand flours and grains.
Jan married Bruce Russell in 1961 and joined him in building the Sunset House and Crystal House apartment buildings in Browne’s Addition.
She ardently enjoyed creating and maintaining places for people to live.
She continued to own and manage her buildings until her retirement in 2005.
She loved decorating, cooking gourmet meals, and oriental art.
She was passionate about tennis and was a member of Central Park Racquet Club for over thirty years where she made many friends.
She was a loving mother and grandmother who was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
Jan is survived by her daughter Sara Golden, grandchildren Andrew Hunton (Laura), Jesse Golden, Lindsay Golden and five great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Joann Redlin.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at on May 31, 2015.
Please call Sara at 509-844-6915 for details.
Donations in Jan’s honor can be made to Alzheimer’s Association.
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